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Mythmakers

Mythmakers

By: Oxford Centre for Fantasy
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About this listen

Welcome to Season 7 of Mythmakers!

Mythmakers is the podcast for fantasy fans and creatives brought to you by the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. We will be exploring fantasy old and new, look at what went into writing your favourite series, learn tips from the experts, and discuss new books, TV shows and films.

Mythmakers is brought to you from the city of Oxford - home to many of the world's greatest fantasy writers, from J.R.R. Tolkien and Middle-earth, to C.S. Lewis, creator of Narnia, and the grandfather of them all, Lewis Carroll with his Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Oxford story continues with outstanding contemporary writers finding inspiration among the ancient buildings, labyrinthine libraries, and gentle river meadows.

Ready to jump down the rabbit hole with us to find your next mythmaker? Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/

2024 Art Literary History & Criticism Philosophy Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Mythmakers Encore: Did Peter Jackson Get It Right? The Return of the King Movie Reconsidered

    Mythmakers Encore: Did Peter Jackson Get It Right? The Return of the King Movie Reconsidered
    Aug 21 2025

    Where would you rate The Return of the King in the trilogy? Join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker on today's episode of Mythmakers as they take a deep dive into the script and movie-making choices of the adaptation of the concluding part of The Lord of the Rings. What are your perfect moments - and your fails? Julia and Jacob disagree over one big scene - whose side are you on? Where are the opportunities for future filmmakers if they want to put their own stamp on the material? To conclude we pick our best fantasy world to be a king.

    (00:05) Visual Choices in Return of the King
    (14:18) Memorable Visual Moments in Film
    (27:24) Multiple Endings in Return of King
    (37:13) Necessary Endings in Film Stories
    (51:56) Kingdoms of Fantasy Thrones Discussion

    For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

    Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

    Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

    Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

    TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Mythmakers Encore: Did Peter Jackson Get It Right? The Two Towers Movie Reconsidered

    Mythmakers Encore: Did Peter Jackson Get It Right? The Two Towers Movie Reconsidered
    Aug 14 2025

    Middle films are always the most difficult. In this episode Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker continue their reconsideration of the Peter Jackson trilogy, turning their attention to The Two Towers. They consider the perfect moments and the fails, with one serious criticism which could definitely to revisited if a filmmaker takes it on again. Remember with them the wonder of Rohan, the storming of Isengard, and the introduction of Gollum. What was the big fail? It jarred at the time but now seems even more inappropriate. Listen and find out! Let us know if you agree.

    (00:05) Discussion of "The Two Towers" Film
    (08:07) Exploring "The Two Towers"
    (25:12) Character Analysis in the Two Towers
    (40:46) Fantasy Tree Worlds Discussion

    For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

    Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

    Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

    Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

    TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Mythmakers Encore: Did Peter Jackson Get It Right? The Fellowship of the Ring Movie Reconsidered

    Mythmakers Encore: Did Peter Jackson Get It Right? The Fellowship of the Ring Movie Reconsidered
    Aug 7 2025

    20 years from now someone somewhere will surely be considering having another go at The Lord of the Rings on film. In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding is joined by academic and Tolkien fan Jacob Rennaker to look back at the Peter Jackson adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring, considering the script choices and casting, the cuts and the visual realisation. What were the moments that could not be bettered, and where is the room for a new creative to have another go? Have a listen and see if you agree!

    (00:05) Analyzing the Changes in LOTR Films
    (08:32) Exploring Themes and Moments in LOTR
    (18:01) Critiquing LOTR Films
    (34:47) Analysis of Omissions in LOTR Films
    (41:41) Visualizing and Enhancing LOTR Locations

    For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

    Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

    Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

    Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

    TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
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